Lions sign punter who paid his own way to tryout

Posted by Mike Florio on March 5, 2013, 9:00 PM EDT

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At a time when plenty of people without actual football talent (but who may believe otherwise) may be willing to plunk down $275 to try out for the NFL, it’s no surprise that a former college punter made a slightly larger wager on himself.

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, former Central Florida punter Blake Clingan received a contract offer from the Lions on Tuesday, after footing the bill for his trip to Detroit for a tryout.

Blake was just going to have them send him a marked ball and punt it from Florida to Detroit to show off his leg strength, but was informed that the practice facility was covered by a roof so the ball wouldn’t land properly. So he made the trip in person.

From what I gather, he paid the $275 for the tryout, but also paid his way to Detroit, which I’m sure included airfare and a hotel. Probably closer to $1000 total. Still, that’s nothing considering the opportunity he was able to take advantage of. Congrats to him.

Bottom line (taking a different line and ignoring the money thing) this guy can punt. He would have madecthevDolphins, but unlucky for him they already have a ProBowl Punter. I saw him kick and he can boom them high, far and was pretty good at inside 20 placement. Great move by the Lions. I hope he fulfils his dreams.